Electrical fitting



25, 1942- I c. L. STEBER 2,293,776

ELECTRICAL FITTING Filed May 12, 1939 INVENTOR.

flare/zceLfliebez;

A ORNEY.

Patented Aug. 25, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRICAL FITTINGClarence L. Steber, Chicago, Ill.

Application May 12, 1939, Serial No. 273,273

1 Claim.

This invention relates to an electric fitting, and the primary object ofthe invention is the provision of a device or fitting which can bearranged outside of a building to support a lighting fixture by means ofa gooseneck or conduit, the device or fitting being formed in one piece,preferably by a casting, and having a watertight cover which can bereadily and instantly removed so as to permit easy access to theinterior of the box.

Another object of the invention is to provide a one piece waterprooffitting which will act as an outlet box, juncture box or conduitconnector, the same acting as a bracket or a support to make the properelectrical connection to an electric lamp or electric appliance.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a one piece castbox provided with attaching ears to permit ready and instant attachmentof the fitting to a structure such as the outside of a house or barn,there being threaded openings provided in the fitting to threadedlyengage a conduit into which the electric wires lead to the fitting, aswell as the provision of a threaded boss into which another conduit orsupporting bracket may be threaded.

The invention also contemplates a sturdy. rugged, one piece structureprovided with a re movable plate to permit ready access into theinterior thereof for the purpose of making electric connections from thesource of supply to a lamp or appliance; furthermore, the inventioncontemplates the construction of a box which can be readily and easilymanufactured, which will sell at a low cost, which will meet theunderwriters requirements, and which will greatly reduce and minimizethe fire hazard inherent in the construction which is conventionallyemployed.

Numerous other objects and advantages will be apparent throughout theprogress of the following specification.

The accompanying drawing illustrates a selected embodiment of theinvention and the views therein are as follows:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of the improved electric fitting;

Fig. 2 is a detail sectional view;

Fig. 3 is a detail side elevation; and

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the front of the boxarranged at an inclined angle.

The electric fitting herein shown for the purpose of illustrating theinvention comprises a one piece cast fitting or receptacle 5 including afront wall 6, a side wall 1, a rear wall 8, a

top wall 9, and a bottom wall l0, all of the said walls being integraland cast in one piece. The side wall opposite the side wall 1 isprovided with an opening H which is adapted to be closed by aweatherproof plate or closure I2.

The top wall 9 is provided with an overhanging lip [3 which engages arecess I4 on the front cover l2. A projection I5 extends upwardly of therecess l4 and engages the inside of the overhanging lip l3, as clearlyshown in Fig. 2. A flange or rib I6 is provided interiorly of the boxand extends about the opening H so as to provide a bearing against whichthe cover plate I2 engages. A gasket I1 is arranged between the innersurface of the plate or cover l2 and the web or rib I6, and a screw 18passes through the cover plate and threadedly engages a threaded openingl9 provided in the base or bottom H1. The overhanging lip 13 preventswater from engaging in the seam or crack at the top of the box and has abinding or squeezing action against the gasket I! when the screw 18 isscrewed tightly in place.

A boss 20 is integrally formed on the front 6 and extends outwardly apredetermined distance. This boss is adapted to be screw-threadedthreadedly to receive a conduit 2|. The bottom I0 is cast relativelythick and is provided with a threaded opening 22 threadedly to receive aconduit 23 in which the electric conductors 24, 24 lead from a source ofsupply to the interior of. the fitting. Ears 25, 25a, and 252) areintegrally formed. with the box and cast therewith for the purpose ofsecuring the fitting to a structure, the ears receiving screws or otherfastening members 26 for so securing the fitting in position.

In Fig. 4, the fitting 5 may be recessed a predetermined distance in aside wall thereof to close the opening, the top wall 9 being providedwith a recess 21 into which the upper edge of the closing plate I2extends. A rib 28 may be formed completely about the opening II to forma support or backing for the plate l2. A gasket 29 is arranged betweenthe rib 28 and the inside of the cover plate l2 to permit the watertightconnection. The plate may be inclined at a predetermined angle, as shownin Fig. 4, to act as a water shed because the device is particularlyapplicable for use outside, the single screw l8 locking the cover platein position and making a waterproof connection therewith.

A light fixture 30 may be operatively connected to the conduit or lightsupporting bracket 2|, conductors being electrically connected from thelight socket to the interior of the box and electrically connected tothe conductors 24. Instead of a lamp or globe 30 being connected to theconduit 2|, it is of course understood that an electric connector ofsome kind, such as a socket, may be carried at the end of the conduit 2|to make electric connection with an electric appliance.

The invention provides a rugged, economical, Waterproof, one pieceelectric fitting which not only acts as an outlet box, juncture box, orother similar structure, but acts as a support for a lighting fixture.The device is particularly adaptable for outside use, particularly onfarm houses, barns, garages, and other places where a rugged, waterproofstructure of an exceedingly low price is required.

Changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of theparts without de- 7 parting from the spirit of the invention orsacrificing any of its advantages, and the right is hereby reserved tomake all such changes as fairly fall Within the scope of the followingclaim.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

A one piece cast electrical fitting comprising a substantiallyrectangularly shaped box having five integral walls and an open side,means in a plurality of said walls for receiving an electrical conduitor the like, means integral with the box providing for attachment of thefitting exteriorly thereof to a structure, a removable cover plate forcovering the opening in said side, a gasket interposed between saidcover plate and the walls of said box, the top of said box having anoverhanging lip adapted to extend over and downwardly with respect tothe cover plate and being provided with a recess interiorly of said lip,said cover plate having an upper portion insertable within said recessand being otherwise directly receivable against the walls of the box,and fastening means passing through said cover plate and threadedlyengaging a lower portion of said box, whereby the upper portion of thecover plate is insertable within said recess to press against the upperportion of said gasket and the plate is fulcrumed within saidoverhanging and downwardly extending lip by operation of said fasteningmeans to squeeze against all portions of the gasket and provide awaterproof closure.

CLARENCE L. STEBER.

